Powerhouse powers into Parramatta: $30 million to grow Western Sydney Arts Precinct

NSW Premier Mike Baird and Deputy Premier Troy Grant today announced the Powerhouse Museum would be relocated to Parramatta as part of the development of an arts and cultural precinct in Western Sydney.

A re-elected Baird Government will inject more than $30 million over the next four years to grow the Arts and Cultural sector, including an additional $10 million to relocate the Powerhouse and an additional $7.5 million to support local artists.

“We want to extend Sydney’s cultural ribbon to Western Sydney so we will invest $10 million to relocate the Powerhouse Museum to Parramatta,” Mr Baird said.

“This will be the first time one of the State’s five major cultural institutions will be entirely located in Western Sydney.

“The $10 million will be used to develop a business case for the Museum’s relocation to ensure it remains the interactive and vibrant place enjoyed by children and families.

“A design competition will be held to decide the final look and fit-out of the new museum, and we’ll guarantee the proceeds from the urban renewal of the existing site in Ultimo will go toward the new museum in Parramatta.

“Our plan also includes $800,000 to attract a resident company for the Riverside Theatre in partnership with Parramatta Council, which will play a key role in developing performances for local communities.

“We’ll set aside $7.5 million to support artists and organisations based in Western Sydney by creating more opportunities for practicing and emerging artists.

“These projects will help develop an arts and cultural precinct in Parramatta to ensure Western Sydney audiences have better access to our vibrant arts and cultural scene.”

Deputy Premier and Arts Minister Troy Grant said this investment will create more opportunities in the arts and cultural space.

“Western Sydney deserves its own cultural institution to be proud of and the Powerhouse Museum is a terrific cultural icon to be housed locally in the region,” Mr Grant said.

“Audiences in Western Sydney are the big winners out of today’s announcement. Practicing and emerging artists will also benefit by creating and offering content designed specifically for the local community.

“The NSW Liberals & Nationals Government is placing a refreshed focus on the arts in Western Sydney, to support the development of one of the fastest growing regions in Australia.

“We’re already working with organisations providing practicing and emerging artists with professional development opportunities in Western Sydney and I’m pleased to announce $100,000 for Form Dance Projects, to expand their reach across the community.

“We’re committed to providing locals and visitors with world-class experiences right across NSW and this investment in arts and culture in Western Sydney is a clear example of that.

“This investment will encourage more people to enjoy and participate in the arts regardless of where they live,” Mr Grant said.

Today’s announcement aligns with the NSW Government’s 10 year policy framework, Create in NSW: The NSW Arts & Cultural Policy Framework, released today by the Premier and Deputy Premier.